Successful exploration methods for porphyry Cu-Au deposits:

Geoscientific data integration and ore-forming processes

PDF Version of Presentation Available on Request

AusIMM GeoScience Society Webinar

Steve Garwin Grasberg Open-Pit, Indonesia

Circa 1995
10th of February 2025 Reserve: ~19 Bt @ 1% Cu & 1 g/t Au
[email protected] ~20Mt Cu and ~ 2000t Au (OP + UG)
 Outline of Presentation

1) Introduction to porphyry systems

2) Geometry, geology, hydrothermal alteration / mineralization and metal zoning

3) Exploration tools (deposit-, district- and regional-scales):

Examples from Batu Hijau (Indonesia), Alpala-Cascabel (Ecuador),
TMT project (Argentina), and northern Peru

GEOLOGY WORKS!
 Characteristics of Porphyry Copper-(Gold) Deposits
Summary
• Small diameter (0.5 - 2 km) causative intrusions
• Shallow depth of emplacement - typically 1 - 4 km
• Deposits occur in clusters
• Porphyritic texture
• Multiple phases of intrusion
• Several stages of hydrothermal alteration (extensive) associated with
each mineralizing intrusion
• Fracture- and vein-controlled alteration and mineralization
• Metal zoning: Central Fe-Cu-(Au); proximal Mo; distal Au-Ag-Pb-Zn-Mn
• Fluid evolution in time-space: Early high temp (300-600oC) – high salinity and
late lower temp (200-400oC) – lower salinity
Batu Hijau, south view - 2007
 Locations of Giant Porphyry Districts and Deposits
Porphyry mines produce > 70% of global Cu, nearly all of the Mo,~ 20% of the Au, 80% of Re, nearly all Te,
and significant by-product Ag + Zn (Sillitoe, 2010; John and Taylor, 2016; and Dilles and John, 2021).

Peschanka Pebble
Aktogay
Galore
Creek Kounrad

Oyu Tolgoi Butte Almalyk

Bingham
SW Arizona /
Philippines Sonora Cerro
Colorado
Oceanic arcsGrasberg, Ok Tedi Alpala Reko Diq
La Granja Minas Conga
Batu Panguna Southern Peru
Hijau Northern Chile Bajo Alumbrera
– El Abra
Cadia – Central Chile Cerro
Ridgeway Casale

Largest 20 global deposits contain >100B USD* in Cu and >20B USD* in Au, in each deposit;
Giant deposits contain >500B USD in Cu and >100B USD in Au. *US$ 3.50 / lb Cu and US$ 1700 / oz Au.

Porphyry Cu-Au Porphyry Cu-Mo

Map source: http://www.gebco.net – slide modified from SEG gold workshop (Harris, 2010)
 Mineral System Overview - Porphyry Copper (Gold) Deposits
• Reconstructed cross sections of Yerington district allow district scale exploration implications – tops and bottoms of porphyry systems.
• Increased presence of apophyses and multi-phase intrusions, dykes at/near the margins of the underlying batholith - this is a common
occurrence in PCD systems and is an important regional consideration

Based on Dilles et al., 2020

 Porphyry Systems in Arc Settings Sillitoe, 2010
0 km
Deposit Styles and Geometry

Diatreme
related
IS veins

5 km
 Porphyry Systems in Arc Settings Sillitoe, 2010
0 km
Hydrothermal Alteration

5 km
 Vertical geochemical dispersion model in porphyry Cu-(Mo-Au) systems

0 km Halley et al., 2015

and Cohen, 2011

3
Increasing Cu/Zn, Mo/Mn
Pb/Zn, Ag/Pb, Au/Ag

vertical = horizontal scale

6
There is a consistent element distribution in global porphyry systems. Local discrepancies in metal sequence may reflect late argillic overprints or
varying H2O:CO2:S proportions of the ore fluid. Distribution of Au-Ag varies and is partially controlled by oxidation / sulfidation state, temperature
and metal-complex speciation.
 Diagnostic Geometry of Porphyry Systems and Useful Exploration Tools for Discovery

• Geometry and metal-zoning in global porphyry systems and districts, with an

emphasis on Batu Hijau (Indonesia) and Cascabel - Alpala (Ecuador)
 Application of the Anaconda method enhances understanding of controls to mineralization

• Examples of field-mapping interpretive layers from Tambo South (Argentina)

• 3D geochemical foot-print modelling of the Tandayama and Alpala deposits (Ecuador)
• Integration of ASTER and Sentinel-2 spectral imagery to highlight expression of
hydrothermal alteration in porphyry and epithermal systems (TMT Project, Argentina)
• Satellite topography as a proxy for structural geology (northern Peru)

Looking West at the High Andes, North of Veladero Au Mine in San Juan, Argentina, near the TMT Porphyry Project
Generalized geological maps and vertical profiles trough selected global porphyry systems
(Seedorff et al., 2005)
Batu Hijau, SW Sumbawa in Indonesia
 Simplified Geometry of Tonalite Porphyry Intrusions, Quartz Veins, Biotite Alteration and Batu Hijau Ore Body

Anaconda Manual Available on Request

The limit of abundant quartz veins (> 5 vol %) outlines the +0.5 %Cu zone at depth.
Additionally, the following is evident:
Limit of secondary biotite is 300 to 400 m from > 0.5 % Cu
Outer limit of rare quartz veins is 200 from > 0.5 % Cu
Outer limit of moderate quartz veins (1-2%) is 150 m from > 0.5 % Cu
Presence of tonalite porphyry intrusions is 0 m from > 0.5 % Cu

Batu Hijau Drill Pad SBD 086

Quartz vein abundance ~ 10 vol. %
Generalized geological maps and vertical profiles trough selected global porphyry systems
(Seedorff et al., 2005)
Alpala – Cascabel, NW Ecuador

Alpala Cu shells
(0.3% and 1%)

Alpala lithocap and

zone of clay alt.
Hydrothermal Alteration and Cu-Au Targets

Geological Explanation
Hydrothermal breccia inferred from drill-hole
Hydrothermal breccia – surface interpretation
Quartz diorite – surface interpretation
Diorite complex – surface interpretation
Chinambicito
Hydrothermal Alteration Zones (mapping-soil-auger)
Tandayama Kaolinite-dickite overprint to phyllic zone
Advanced argillic (dickite + pyrophyllite)
Argillic (kaolinite-illite-smectite)
Aguinaga
Intermediate argillc (chlorite-sericite-clay)
Phyllic (quartz-sericite/paragonite-illite)
Epidote - propylitic
Moran Chlorite - propylitic
Cachaco
Biotite (potassic)
Trivino Inferred porphyry centre / target
Alpala NW Greater Alpala porphyry cluster
Carmen
Parambas
The Alpala porphyry cluster, Trivino and Carmen are associated
Alpala with phyllic zones. Kaolinite-dickite alteration overprints the
Alpala SE phyllic zone in the southern part of Alpala Central and Alpala
East, South and SE. Aguinaga and Tandayama are characterized
Cristal mostly by argillic alteration that overprints potassic- and
epidote-propylitic zones. Carmen, Cachaco and north Parambas
1000 m Advanced argillic contain epithermal veins and structurally controlled phyllic zones.
 Coincident Geochemical Anomalies
LOW SOIL MANGANESE HIGH SOIL MOLYBDENUM HIGH SOIL Cu/Zn
Summary of Mineral- and Metal-Zoning around the Alpala Porphyry System

Legend

Diorite to quartz diorite

Argillic / sericitic alteration
Paragonite-phengite (phyllic)
Inferred pyritic shell
(Fe-oxide rich in TerraSpec)
Soil zinc > 125 ppm
Soil molybdenum > 1.5 ppm
Soil molybdenum > 5 ppm

Early focus of drilling

500m
SolGold Discovery of Alpala Cu-Au Porphyry Deposit, Northern Ecuador
• Alpala discovery outcrop found – May 2012
• World-class intersection achieved in Hole 5 – Jan 2014

Reconnaissance mapping located

~80 m wide zone of Cu- and Au-
bearing, sheeted, porphyry-style
quartz veins in Alpala Creek
Alpala Central: Geology and B-Vein Abundance (2014)
The geometry of the vein zones indicate northwesterly, northeasterly and subordinate northerly-trends, which are
consistent with the strike-directions of the “B”-type veins measured in the field. These three vein sets typically dip steeply
towards the northeast, northwest and east, respectively.

Legend
9 Alpala structural zone (ASZ)
Topographic – geophysical lineament
Fault
8
Intra-mineral Qz-feldspar porphyry dike
(phyllic-altered, cut by B-veins)
7 ?
2 Intra-mineral Qz-feldspar porphyry dike
(phyllic-altered, truncates B-veins)
Late-mineral diorite dike
(weak chlorite-clay alteration)
5 4
B’ Alpala drill holes (CSD1-9)
?
Proposed drill-hole (PDH B’)
1
B-type quartz vein abundance (percent),
? 0.5 (orange), 2 (green), 5 (red) and
20 (purple)

PDH B’ ~ CSD-12:
1560 m at 0.59% Cu and 0.54 g/t Au; incl.
576 m at 1.03% copper and 1.19 g/t gold
3
100m
Alpala Central: Chalcopyrite-Pyrite Ratio (2014)
The mapped zone of chalcopyrite / pyrite > 1 trends north-northwest, parallel to the Alpala structural zone,
and coincides with an increased abundance of “B”-type quartz veins.

Legend
9 Alpala structural zone (ASZ)
Topographic – geophysical lineament
Fault
8
Intra-mineral Qz-feldspar porphyry dike
(phyllic-altered, cut by B-veins)
7 ?
2 Intra-mineral Qz-feldspar porphyry dike
(phyllic-altered, truncates B-veins)
Late-mineral diorite dike
(weak chlorite-clay alteration)
4
5 Alpala drill holes (CSD1-9)
?
B’ Proposed drill-hole (PDH B’)
1
Chalcopyrite / pyrite = 0.2 (green),
? 0.5 (yellow), 1 (red), 2 (magenta) and
3 (purple)
PDH B’ ~ CSD-12:
1560 m at 0.59% Cu and 0.54 g/t Au; incl.
576 m at 1.03% copper and 1.19 g/t gold
3
100m
Alpala Drill Core Specimens from CSD-12
CSD-12: 1560 m at 0.59% Cu and 0.54 g/t Au (0.93% CuEq)
2m-interval copper and gold values indicated for reference

0.86 Cu, 0.16 Au 1.66 Cu, 1.76 Au

0.36 Cu, 0.21 Au

2.05 Cu, 2.50 Au

1.33 Cu, 0.92 Au 0.85 Cu, 0.93 Au

1.91 Cu, 1.94 Au 1.43 Cu, 1.31 Au

Section and Level Plan Interpretations – B-type Quartz Veins

82950N
1100mRL

900mRL

700mRL

500mRL

300mRL

100mRL
 Alpala - Cascabel Vein Types
Photographs of drill-core from the Alpala deposit. a) Prismatic quartz showing unidirectional solidification
texture (UST), cut by a chalcopyrite-rich C-vein; b) intrusive contact between late quartz diorite dike (QD20)
and early diorite intrusion (D10), showing truncation of early B-veins and a late CD-vein that cross-cuts the
contact; c) Chalcopyrite vein and late-stage bornite along fracture surface; d) Magnetite-bearing B1 quartz
vein stockwork with clots of chalcopyrite (cp); e) late-stage pyritic D-vein with selvedge of quartz-sericite.

Garwin et al., 2017

Alpala Vein Paragenesis

• Classified on descriptive criteria: morphology, mineralogy, texture and orientation

• Grouped by interpreted age and from higher to lower temperatures

UST: Uni-directional Solidification Texture: late-magmatic quartz-(magnetite)

A, AB: early quartz veins (minor to rare)
Early / Hotter
M: magnetite veinlets
Main Mineralisation Stage

EDM: early dark micaceous veins (and selvages)

B1: quartz-coarse grained magnetite-chalcopyrite veins
B2: quartz-chalcopyrite-magnetite-(pyrite) veins
MCA: magnetite-chalcopyrite-pyrite-anhydrite veins
C: chalcopyrite-(rare bornite) veins
CD: chalcopyrite-pyrite-(bornite) veins with minor envelopes

D: pyrite-(chalcopyrite-bornite) veins with major envelopes

ANH: anhydrite veins
CAL: calcite veins
BMV: base metal veins (+ quartz, calcite and / or anhydrite)
Late / Cooler

NOTES: Anhydrite occurs over wide temperature range Later vein-stages re-open earlier vein stages
A, AB veins and EDM veins are uncommon EDM veins are re-opened by later chalcopyrite
Alpala Geological Units and Intrusive Phases
Chronology determined on basis of cross-cutting vein relationships

OLDER Pre-Mineral Volcanic Rocks Variable Grade

0.1 – 2.0 % Cu
HOST
ROCKS
Pre-Mineral Diorite “D10” Mod - High Grade
0.4 – 2.0 % Cu

UST +
A-veins Early-Mineral Quartz Diorite “QD10” Very High Grade
B-veins (Causal intrusions) > 1.0 % Cu
C-Veins

Lesser
B-veins
Intra-Mineral Intrusions QD15/D15 Moderate Grade
C-Veins T15 0.2 – 0.7 % Cu

CD, D-
veins Late-Mineral Dykes D20/QD20 Low Grade
0.1 – 0.3 % Cu

Post
YOUNGER
Mineral Post-Mineral Dykes 30/40 Barren
Geological Model: B-Vein Distribution by Rock Unit

2018 data
 Geological Model
SW NE

V
BX

0.3%

D10

D20 0.9% CuEq

QD10

QD15
D15

2019 data
Alpala Diamond Drilling
Alpala drill plan
(January 2019), showing key
grade shell outlines and the
location of sections in the
> 0.2% CuEq following figures.

> 0.45% CuEq

As of January, approx.
175,000 m of drilling.

> 0.9% CuEq At 0.2% Cu eq. cut-off:

> 2,000 m strike-extent

Steeply NE-dipping
> 1,900 m vertical
interval from surface
to below -250 m asl
> 1000 m wide
Open in several
19/11/2018
directions

500m

26
 Cross-section 82950 m N, showing geological interpretations, copper-equivalent shells of 0.9% and 0.3%
and Cu-Au-bearing, B-type quartz vein abundance (window + 50 m) June 2018

Hand-drawn Geology Drill-hole

LeapFrog-assisted Geology B-type quartz vein vein abundance
Legend
SW NE
Late ̶
/ D15
/ D20 B vein abundance
/ D15 (percent)
Intra ̶

Early ̶
V
BX BX Pre ̶
V 5
Mineralisation
0.3% 0.3% - timing 0.3%
0.5

> 10 2
D10 D10

D20 0.9% CuEq D20 0.9% CuEq 0.9% CuEq

5
QD10 QD10

QD15 QD15
D15
D15
 Cross-section 82950 m N, showing copper equivalent shells of 0.9% and 0.3%, molybdenum,
chalcopyrite-pyrite ratio and bornite concentration in drill-core

Molybdenum model Chalcopyrite-pyrite (cp-py) ratios Bornite abundance and cp-py ratios
SW NE
Mo values in ppm
Cp/py as indicated Bornite in percent
0.3

0.3% 0.3% 0.3%

0.5 0.5

1.0 1.0
10

20
30
0.3
0.9% CuEq 0.9% CuEq 0.9% CuEq
< 10

> 40
Longitudinal cross-section, showing geological interpretation, copper-equivalent shells of 0.9% and 0.3%
and molybdenum in drill-core (dip-direction of -85 degrees towards N39E ̶ window + 50m)

LeapFrog-assisted Geology Molybdenum model

NW SE
/ D15 Mo values in ppm
0.3%
BX 0.3%

10
0.9% CuEq
20
0.9% CuEq
30
< 10
D10 QD10
D20

D15 > 40
Longitudinal cross-section, showing the geological interpretation, copper-equivalent shells of 0.9%
and 0.3% and the abundance of Cu-Au-bearing, B-type quartz veins

LeapFrog-assisted Geology
B-type quartz vein abundance
NW SE

B vein abundance
0.3% 2 (percent)
BX 0.3%

5
V 2
0.5
2
0.5 5

0.9% CuEq 0.9% CuEq

0.5 5 5
> 10
D10 QD10 2
D20 > 10

D15 2

0.5
Alpala Quartz Vein Geometry – Illustrative and Schematic Example

LOOKING CROSS-SECTION
NORTHWEST
100m Wide Slice
Through Hole 8

Burj Khalifa
Relative Size
828 meters tall

PRIMARY
VEIN ORIENTATION
MEASUREMENTS
14

SECONDARY
8
VEIN ORIENTATION
MEASUREMENTS

500m
Alpala Quartz Vein Geometry – Illustrative and Schematic Example

LOOKING CROSS-SECTION
NORTHWEST
100m Wide Slice
Through Hole 8

Burj Khalifa
Relative Size
828 meters tall

14

FLAT VEINS
8

500m
Alpala Quartz Vein Geometry – Illustrative and Schematic Example

LOOKING CROSS-SECTION
NORTHWEST
100m Wide Slice
Through Hole 8

MULTI - DIRECTIONAL
Burj Khalifa STOCKWORK
Relative Size
828 meters tall VEINS

14

FLAT VEINS
8

500m
Alpala Quartz Vein Geometry – Illustrative and Schematic Example

SHEETED
LOOKING CROSS-SECTION
NORTHWEST VEINS
100m Wide Slice
Through Hole 8

Burj Khalifa
Relative Size MULTI - DIRECTIONAL
828 meters tall STOCKWORK
VEINS

14

FLAT VEINS
8

500m
ALPALA MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE (1
(12.2 Mt Cu, 30.5 Moz Au and 101.3 Moz Ag)
Ag)
Cascabel Project Alpala Underground Mineral Resource Estimate MRE#4
(Effective Date November 11, 2023)

Cascabel Project Alpala Underground Mineral Reserve Estimate

(Effective Date December 31, 2023)

1. Dr Arseneau, P. Geo. Associate Consultant with SRK Consulting (Canada) is responsible for this Mineral Resource statement.
2. Metal prices of Cu at US$3.60/lb, Au at US$1,700/oz, and Ag at US$19.9/oz.
3. Recoveries of Cu 93% and Au 83%.
 Tambo South Geology & Hydrothermal Alteration – Example of Mapping

SIMPLIFIED GEOLOGY AND MOLYBDENUM > 6PPM (at Surface) HYDROTHERAL ALTERATION AND MOLYBDENUM > 6PPM

Mo > 6ppm Mo > 6ppm

400m 400m

23
BRX ASX Release - Second porphyry system identified at Tambo South (20 June 2024)
 Tambo South Structural Trends and Goethite-Jarosite Ratio
Structural trends identify a zone of high permeability (purple rhomb) that coincides with Goethite-jarosite ratios show a goethite dominant zone that coincides with potassic
potassic alteration, elevated quartz vein and fracture abundance in a porphyry system. alteration, elevated quartz vein and increased fracture abundance.

Mo > 6ppm Mo > 6ppm

400m 400m

23
BRX ASX Release - Second porphyry system identified at Tambo South (20 June 2024)
 Tambo South Quartz Vein Abundance and Prospective Zone
QUARTZ VEIN ABUNDANCE AND MOLYBDENUM > 6PPM TARGET SUMMARY AND MOLYBDENUM > 6PPM
Target zone (> 400 x 250m) of higher temperature alteration, elevated vein / fracture
abundances and higher goethite-jarosite ratios localized on a hbl diorite porphyry.

Mo > 6ppm Mo > 6ppm

200m 200m

23
BRX ASX Release - Second porphyry system identified at Tambo South (20 June 2024)
 Vertical geochemical dispersion model in porphyry Cu-(Mo-Au) systems
Summary of MDRU-study (Cohen, 2011 and Halley et al., 2015)
0 km Note: Absolute elemental values will vary

4
Cp+Bn

vertical = horizontal scale

6
There is a consistent element distribution in global porphyry systems. Local discrepancies in metal sequence may reflect late argillic overprints or varying H2O:CO2:S
proportions of the ore fluid. Distribution of Au-Ag varies and is partially controlled by oxidation / sulfidation state, temperature and metal-complex speciation.
3D modelling of deposit footprints
from geochemical data

Tandayama Porphyry Cu-Au Deposit, Cascabel District, Ecuador.

SW-NE section showing the traces of the 3D models for the 0.15, 0.2, and
0.3 iso-surfaces for the probability of the existence of a porphyry center,
based on the 90th percentile threshold for soil sample results in the
Cascabel tenement.
A 3D geochemical model was created in 2017 using soil geochemistry
data for the Cascabel tenement. The model is based on Cohen (2011)
and Halley et al. (2015) and derived from the geochemical zoning of
eleven chemical elements (Cu, Mo, Sn, W, As, Sb, Li, Tl, Bi, Se and Te)
documented for the Yerington porphyry Cu deposit, Nevada, USA and
other deposits in North America. The outputs consist of 3D iso-surfaces of
the probability of the existence of a Yerington-like porphyry centre, which
identified the top of the high-grade Alpala porphyry deposit at depths >
600m beneath surface, and the Tandayama porphyry deposit from
surface to depths of > 1000m.
For a further description of the 3D geochemical modelling process, refer
to the web address:
https://www.fathomgeophysics.com/geochemfootprint.html

Diaz et al. (2023)

 3D modelling of deposit footprints from geochemical data

Alteration n

A 3D modelling method developed by Fathom Geophysics

uses an algorithm to measure how close a suite of eleven
elements in surface- and drill-samples matches the Yerington
(Nevada, USA) porphyry Cu model (Cohen, 2011) and other
porphyry deposits in North America (Halley et al., 2015). The
application of the probability models generated by this
algorithm may assist in the identification of potential
porphyry Cu centres to evaluate by drilling.

Geochemical Model
3D Geochemical Model, Hydrothermal Alteration and Molybdenum
in Rock Samples for the Tambo South Porphyry System
(San Juan, Argentina)
 Tambo South Drill Plan: 3D Alteration and Geochemical Models

3D Section view looking NW at azimuth 25° showing planned DDH1 and DDH2 locations with 3D alteration model for
the Tambo South target and Cohen's geochemical model. There is 250 m between the bottoms of the two planned
holes.
 TMT Study Area (Argentina) – ASTER and Sentinel-2 Spectral Results

Orientation (azimuth) Exploration Targets – TMT Projectt

N
Josemaria Josemaria
TMT Study area, showing major
W E deposits, satellite-derived
Filo del Sol Filo del Sol
linear zones of iron-oxide –
S kaolinite – phyllic alteration
La Fortuna La Fortuna (wavelength – 800m) and
vectors that coincide with the
axes of the linear zones of
hydrothermal alteration
Strength (Fathom Geophysics, 2023).
Left hand image – Image
showing the orientations of the
linear alteration features,
color-coded by azimuth.
Rio La Sal I Rio La Sal I Right hand image – Image
showing linear alteration
Rio La Sal Rio La Sal features colored by intensity
TMT Project TMT Project from yellow to red. The
majority of the deposits lie
along zones of Fe-oxide –
El Sobriado El Sobriado kaolinite – phyllic alteration and
near the intersection of
Cerro Toro Cerro Toro alteration zones of multiple
orientations. The northerly-,
northwesterly- and
Pascua Pascua northeasterly-trends are most
common.
Veladero Veladero
BRX ASX Release: Investor Presentation,18th of May 2023.
El Fierro El Fierro
45
Tambo Sur (South) Porphyry System, San Juan, Argentina: Image showing apparent zonation of hydrothermal alteration in the Tambo Sur I, II and V
tenement area (on true-color Sentinel 2 image), using the ASTER-derived mineral models for muscovite, pyrophyllite, chlorite and epidote and Sentinel 2
model for jarosite. At Tambo Sur I and II, a large and strong phyllic zone (muscovite 98th%tile) appears to be bordered by an advanced argillic alteration
(pyrophyllite) to the south and east with minor amounts of distal propylitic (chlorite-epidote) alteration. The north-northwestery-trending structural-control
is evident (see next figure). The jarosite anomalism in red should indicate approximate distribution of sulfides, where there is no snow-cover.

Tambo Sur
Tambo Sur V
95%tile musc

pyrop

98%tile musc pyrop

Tambo Sur I and II

jarosite
Muscovite
95 / 98%tile
95%tile musc
Pyrophyllite
95 / 98%tile TORO_ASTER_MinMap_95th_Vec-Muscovite-Th
TORO_ASTER_MinMap_98th_Vec-Muscovite-Th
Jarosite TORO_ASTER_MinMap_95th_Vec-Pyrophyllite-Th
98%tile TORO_ASTER_MinMap_98th_Vec-Pyrophyllite-Th
TORO_S2_MinMap_98th_Vec-Jarosite-Th
Chlorite/ TORO_ASTER_MinMap_80th_HEq-Epidote-Th
epidote 80% TORO_ASTER_MinMap_80th_HEq-Chlorite-Th
Tambo Sur (South) Porphyry System, San Juan, Argentina: Image showing showing linear zones of iron-oxide –kaolinite – phyllic alteration (wavelength –
100m) and associated vectors at Tambo Sur I, II and V with the mineral models illustrated in the previous figure. The dashed lines in the first overlay indicate
structures (faults / fracture zones) inferred to control hydrothermal alteration and metals distribution. The subsequent overlays show the interpreted
alteration zones. The north-northwestery-trending structural-control is evident, as are northeasterly-trending cross-structures. The alteration centers at
Tambo I and II and V occur at the intersection of linear alteration zones of multiple orientations.

TORO_ASTER_S2_tern_RGB_IFD-Kaol- TORO_ASTER_S2_tern_RGB_IFD-Kaol-
Phyl_Ridge100_Total_Vec-ColorDistance Phyl_Ridge100_Total-ColorDistance

Tambo Sur
95%tile musc

pyrop

pyrop
98%tile musc

jarosite
Muscovite
95 / 98%tile
95%tile musc
Pyrophyllite
95 / 98%tile TORO_ASTER_MinMap_95th_Vec-Muscovite-Th
TORO_ASTER_MinMap_98th_Vec-Muscovite-Th
Jarosite TORO_ASTER_MinMap_95th_Vec-Pyrophyllite-Th
98%tile TORO_ASTER_MinMap_98th_Vec-Pyrophyllite-Th
TORO_S2_MinMap_98th_Vec-Jarosite-Th
Chlorite/ TORO_ASTER_MinMap_80th_HEq-Epidote-Th
epidote 80% TORO_ASTER_MinMap_80th_HEq-Chlorite-Th
Filo del Sol, San Juan, Argentina: Image showing ASTER thermal response for Filo del Sol. The overlays of the mapped hydrothermal alteration
indicates that a high thermal response correlates moderately well with silica-rich, residual quartz alteration and quartz-alunite alteration. The final
overlay summarizes the apparent zonation of hydrothermal alteration for ASTER muscovite, pyrophyllite, chlorite and epidote and Sentinel 2 model for
jarosite. The quartz-alunite alteration is expressed by the pyrophyllite models. The proximal parts of the system shows abundant muscovite-jarosite,
particularly along its western flank. The southern part of the mineral resource is characterized by anomalous pyrophyllite-jarosite.
Toro_ASTER-Silica

Filo del Sol Silica and Qtz-Alunite

Alteration

Silica

Mineral Resource

Muscovite
95 / 98%tile
TORO_ASTER_MinMap_95th_Vec-Muscovite-Th
Pyrophyllite TORO_ASTER_MinMap_98th_Vec-Muscovite-Th
95 / 98%tile
TORO_ASTER_MinMap_95th_Vec-Pyrophyllite-Th
TORO_ASTER_MinMap_98th_Vec-Pyrophyllite-Th
Jarosite TORO_S2_MinMap_98th_Vec-Jarosite-Th
98%tile TORO_ASTER_MinMap_80th_HEq-Epidote-Th
TORO_ASTER_MinMap_80th_HEq-Chlorite-Th
Chlorite/ Silica
epidote 80%
 Satellite-derived topography as a basis for geological interpretation and
Au-Ag-(Cu) deposit targeting, an example from the Andes of northern Peru
(Garwin and Buckingham, 2021)

Figure 1. Alto Chicama – Antamina region of northern Peru, showing SRTM- Figure 2. Alto Chicama – Antamina region of northern Peru, showing regional
derived topography (blue = low to white = high, relative height above mean sea- geology and major gold-silver-(copper) deposits. The high-sulfidation deposits (e.g.,
level), regional faults (black lines) and major gold-silver-(copper) deposits. Alto Chicama – Lagunas Norte, Pierina and El Amanecer), formed during the
Middle to Late Miocene and are associated with Tertiary volcanic fields and
volcano-sedimentary units. The porphyry deposits (e.g., Magistral and Pashpap) and
Antamina skarn-porphyry deposit are related to Miocene intrusions hosted by
Mesozoic calcareous rocks.
Figure 3: Alto Chicama – Antamina region of northern Peru, showing SRTM- Figure 4. Alto Chicama – Antamina region of northern Peru, showing SRTM-
derived topography processed to enhance large-scale features at a wavelength of derived topography processed to enhance large-scale topographic highs at a
5km, regional faults (black lines) and major gold-silver-(copper) deposits. The wavelength of 5km and major Au-Ag-(Cu) deposits. The topo-highs are color-
colors indicate relative height above mean sea-level (blue=low, coded as to the relative height above the adjacent valleys (blue=low to
magenta=high). magenta=high). The lineaments indicate inferred disruptions in the regional
topographic trends. Most of the deposits lie within 1 - 2km of the flanks of regional
topographic highs in zones of topographic disruption and inferred structural
complexity. The identification of similarly anomalous topographic zones in areas of
Miocene magmatism and favorable structural setting generates potential exploration
targets.
Successful exploration methods and the importance of geology and 3D data
integration in the exploration and discovery of porphyry Cu-(Au) deposits

Conclusions
• The collection of accurate geological data is critical in minerals exploration
• The successful visualization, integration and interpretation of the right-type of data
facilitates the path to discovery
• The field-based methods presented here have proven useful in exploration and
mining programs for decades (e.g., Anaconda method)
• Geophysics not emphasized in this talk, however, early magnetics and other
methods are useful
• 3D geochemical foot-print modelling to enhance geoscientific interpretations
• In covered areas, consider drilling methods to sample the top-of-bedrock
• Use of ASTER and Sentinel-2 spectral imagery and satellite topography (ALOS
and SRTM) to enhance interpretations of alteration and structural systematics
in exploration targeting
 Diagnostic Geology / Geometry of Porphyry Systems
• Intrusions: distal to proximal dykes and small causal porphyritic stocks
— Hornblende as phenocrysts and in groundmass indicates a hydrous magma
— Quartz eyes (resorbed phenocrysts) as evidence of rapid magma ascent
• Structural focus: margins of a pre-mineralization pluton complex or the margins of uplifted
geological basement
— Peripheral dyke swarms, vein systems and fracture systems as vectors
• Veins and Fractures: increasing abundances towards porphyry center
— B-type quartz veins are the best indication of proximity to a porphyry center
• Hydrothermal Alteration: well documented zoning
• Early-stage, central biotite-2o feldspar (potassic-sodic metasomatism) overprinted by sericite-chlorite
(intermediate argillic) – typically magnetite-stable
• Late-stage, proximal feldspar-destructive alteration zones (pyrite-stable) that coalesce towards and
overprint central potassic and distal propylitic zones
• Actinolite and epidote - indicators of increased temperatures towards porphyry center
• Sulfide-minerals: increasing cp / py towards porphyry
— Flanking zones of increased pyrite (pyrrhotite) abundance
— Late-stage bornite and covellite good indications of a robust system
— Goethite / jarosite and secondary Cu-minerals as a proxy for sulphide zoning
 The Geochemical Signature of Porphyry Systems

• Common zoning of geochemical elements in global systems, with local variations related
to differing styles and intensity of late-stage alteration, and varying fluid activities of H2O,
CO2 and S
• Central: deep Cu-(Au-Mo) – potassic; intermed. Mo-W-Sn – potassic / phyllic; high-level
As-Sb-Li-Th-(Au) – phyllic, intermed. & adv. argillic;
Depletion of Pb, Zn, Mn and other related elements;
Plume-elements: Bi, Te, Se, Mo (low-levels)
• Peripheral: enrichment in Pb, Zn, Mn, Ag, Au and other elements
• Varying oxidation states and H2O-content of causal intrusions effect zoning patterns and
ore assemblages
• Element ratio zoning: increasing Cu/Zn and Au/Ag towards many porphyry centers
• Oxyanion complexes (e.g., Mo, W, Bi, Te, As, Sb) are relatively stable in weathering /
oxidation environment
• Geochemical (and geophysical) results are best interpreted using geology, intrusion
stages, vein paragenesis and alteration as guides
 The Geophysical Expression of Porphyry Systems
• Magnetics: central magnetic high with annular low or zone of subdued response
(oxidized magmas) or central magnetic low with annular magnetic high (reduced magmas)
― Demagnetization typically outlines linear structural zones that coalesce with proximity to porphyry center
• Deep Resistivity (MT): major resistivity low associated with large porphyry systems
probably reflect increased conductivities associated with elevated sulphide-mineral
abundance and argillic / phyllic alteration
• IP-Resistivity: chargeability (IP) halo typically coincides with >2% pyrite and elevated py/cp;
elevated IP response may occur in porphyry centers but is not as common as that
expressed by halo
— Elevated Resistivity in propylitic halo and potassic core; resistivity lows in surrounding and
overlying phyllic / argillic zones
• Gravity: causal intrusions show a density contrast to adjacent wall-rocks; geological
basement more dense than overlying volcanic sequences
• Topography: the poor man’s geophysics
— Rim of hard propylitic rocks, subdued topography associated with softer argillic / phyllic;
resistant quartz-rich veins and silica ledges; centers of variable expression
Acknowledgements PDF Version of Presentation Available on Request

SolGold Plc., Belararox Ltd., Newmont Mining and

Anaconda Copper Mining Company Geologists
[email protected]

CASCABEL
CASCABEL
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